Sacramento Mandarins Drum & Bugle Corps

• 97.200 - The Cavaliers
• 96.850 - Phantom Regiment
• 96.550 - Blue Devils
• 93/175 - Bluecoats
• 93.075 - The Cadets
• 92.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 90.125 - Blue Knights
• 89.875 - Carolina Crown
• 87.700 - Madison Scouts
• 87.325 - Boston Crusaders
• 86.000 - Glassmen
• 84.825 - Spirit from JSU

• 97.875 - The Cavaliers
• 97.000 - Blue Devils
• 96.825 - Phantom Regiment
• 93.625 - The Cadets
• 93.550 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 93.500 - Bluecoats
• 90.275 - Carolina Crown
• 89.350 - Blue Knights
• 88.775 - Boston Crusaders
• 87.950 - Madison Scouts
• 86.275 - Glassmen
• 85.275 - Spirit from JSU
• 83.050 - Colts
• 81.525 - Blue Stars
• 81.250 - Crossmen
• 80.825 - Capital Regiment
• 77.875 - Mandarins

I have to admit I did not really like this show at all in San Antonio or Atlanta - Kudos to these kids for investing in their show and delivering a vastly improved, more effective show in Madison. As always, the trademark of this corps seemed to be intensity and execution. The gutsy little corps that can. Musically, this was far from one of my favorite shows of the year, but the rhythmic themes were effective, and for whatever reason (I can’t really put my finger on it), the show just worked anyway. Mandarins guard ultimately made the difference, as they handled the wind much better than did Southwind’s guard. Otherwise, Mandarins would have been the last corps out instead of the last corps in. Kudos as well to Mandarins for having an even better show on Friday. Perhaps letting their hair down a bit without a corps to really compete with allowed them to more emotionally sell their show on Friday. -- TexasPRfan, on DCP

I like the color of the new uniforms, and really enjoyed this years show. A solid corps always that is on the verge of breaking into the top -- GMichael1230, on DCP

• 96.900 - The Cavaliers
• 96.525 - Blue Devils
• 96.025 - Phantom Regiment
• 93.475 - The Cadets
• 92.975 - Bluecoats
• 92.375 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 89.675 - Carolina Crown
• 89.650 - Blue Knights
• 89.325 - Boston Crusaders
• 88.250 - Madison Scouts
• 88.125 - Glassmen
• 86.525 - Spirit from JSU
• 84.625 - Colts
• 82.675 - Crossmen
• 82.225 - Blue Stars
• 81.925 - Capital Regiment
• 78.375 - Mandarins - Top 17 advance to Friday Semifinals
• ----------------------------------------
• 77.950 - Southwind
• 75.525 - Seattle Cascades
• 75.225 - The Magic
• 74.900 - Pacific Crest
• 72.800 - Esperanza
• 71.500 - Pioneer

I had forgotten that they changed uniforms. I liked their old ones, but as they played, the new ones grew on me. It is definitely a different look for them, and I like the color. Clapping sequence at the end was cool. -- DrumCorpsMom, on DCP

I think Mandarins deserved the win over Southwind tonight, but I don't think they deserved the particular captions they won over SW. They were considerably better in visual performance and CG, but the scores actually gave them GE over SW, and that I simply didn't see. But, oh well, at least the right corps made it through to Semis. -- Tony L., on DCP

Where did that scroe come from? I think they were overscored by a few points - should have been only slightly higher than Cascades. -- jjlet, on DCP

DrumCorpsPlanet comments regarding Quarterfinals Cinecast:

I think Mandarins should have lead the cinnecast, being they have beaten Southwind both times they have seen them.-- Shintao

I would have to totally agree with that. DCI needs to take a look at this one !! Mandarins scored a 78.7 last night and Southwinds last score was a 76 I think if they beat them twice in head to head + progressed what else can be considered? -- 27thsnare

That is all that is taken into consideration. We're not talking about a drum corps equivalent of the "BCS formula" here. The criteria is clear and I'm sure all the corps knew what it would be before tour. Mandarins may beat Southwind, but they did not generate a score average high enough to be seeded ahead of them for Quarterfinals. Perhaps they should have gone to more shows. This is only bad for people who want to see the Cinecast. People going to Quarters, Semis, and Finals will see Mandarins twice (if they come in 17th on Thursday) and only see Southwind once. That's all that likely matters to the corps and its members as well. - Tekneek

But it wasn't an issue of Mandarins not attending enough shows. They were at DIFFERENT shows from Southwind, and based on the judges at the differing shows, scores were high/low. Allentown, though different nights, used the same panel of judges for both nights and Mandarins' score was once again ahead of Southwind. Seeing as how Mandarins beat Southwind at EVERY meeting (which were the major DCI shows), it seems a bit ridiculous that Southwind landed in the Cinecast. -- brassboy

Well, Mandarins might not have made the cinecast, but if they have beaten Swind the past few times, it sounds like they will have the last laugh because they will be performing Friday, whereas Swind would not be. Personally, that's the position I'd rather be in. -- boilerman_05

Yea, but...being that Sacramento is on the west coast of the country, the cinnecast is how many local fans get to see the corps, a corps that is ranked 17 regardless of what all the "but it is an average" people say. Also, for those who have marched in a lower ranked corps, performing in top 17 is somewhat of a deal, not a big deal but it is nice. Best of luck to all the competeing corps on Thursday. -- ShangMan

I say that I think it is a slap in the face of the Mandarins, Blue Knights and Bluecoats. It is as if the entire season and the big regionals mean nothing. If you only have the scores count for the week prior to going into finals, why not save gas money and take an extended break from touring and clean you A## off before coming out again for the final two weeks. I am being sarcastic of course, but I just think when you take one week over another to avereage you're at the mercy of scores at shows where you may not compete against many of the corps you are competing against. Something else is that a certain corps or two may go to three or four shows in a week and another may go to 2 that same week. So once again, it is not exactly the most fair way in my opninion to determine performance order/placement/pecking order for quarter finals. Once again i renew the fact that I really think the corps jipped in this is the Mandarins who earned the 17th place spot for quarters all year long and deserve to be brodcast. i like Southwinds show and design this year and had wanted them to get into the Cinecast, but not like this. BK, Crown and Boston have battled all July and now in August and I think it is unfair to put an intermission between BK and Crown and Boston has no business performing in the 7 spot.The Cadets also as I have said are not the 4th place corps as of now and should not get to perform in that spot. Who should perform where? The corps should perform in the order that they have placed in the regionals or over the entire summer, period!!! Head to Head determines the Chamionship not Average score vs. Average score. It should be the same coming into quarters as well. -- wesleyrp

i am not happy to see Mandarins get screwed over like this. July 30 to August 5 eh? How could DCI forget about the competition on August 6, the day Mandarins earned a score that would have put them in 17th? I don't feel sorry for the corps, since they are in a pretty decent position to take that last semi-finals spot. It just sucks for us fans who wanted to see them in the theaters. *sigh* -- nguyenbr

I think it's a shame that the bottom six corps are determined "not worthy" of being shown on Cinecast. So sad.Over 800 kids spent just as much blood, sweat and tears as the top corps - busting their butts, sweating in this record heat, and trying day after day day after day to improve. While the friends, parents, neighbors, relatives and schoolmates of the top 17 corps get to see themperform, the lowest scoring six have no such respect. Not only does everyone not get a chance to seethem, but they have to explain they won't be seen on the screen because they just didn't cut it. I understand that broadcasting this is not cheap and I also understand that attendance earlier in the day may not be as high as in the evening. But I think it is a slap in the face to those kids who have tried so hard for months and were basically told they just weren't good enough to be shown with the others. -- texasmom

• 96.300 - Blue Devils
• 92.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 89.300 - Carolina Crown
• 86.300 - Glassmen
• 85.400 - Spirit from JSU
• 81.250 - Capital Regiment
• 78.750 - Mandarins
• 75.750 - Pacific Crest

i'm not a Mandarins fan generally, but i lreally liked this show. they have a smaller hornline as usual, and they didn't try to do anything over complicated to compensate for it. you could tell these guys were having a lot of fun and they enjoyed performing the show. -- tubawarrior, on DCP

This show grabbed you from the beginning. It really communicated to the audience and the brass sounded very good for not being a full line. That being said, I think that mandarins are doing great this year and I hope that they continue to grow and expand the program. New guy: They weren’t as loud as the first ones. Their uniforms are kind of cool though. Old guy: They blew me away! For such a small horn line they definitely made it all the way up here. -- hawsebt, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Pretty cool with the "Mandarin Orange" color jackets, this was straight ahead no-gimmics no-frills drum corps. They were also loud, but they were a smaller corps than most. Like all the corps tonight, they built their sound from the bottom up, marching 9 tubas (everybody had

• 95.575 - Cavaliers
• 94.600 - Phantom Regiment
• 92.875 - Cadets
• 87.925 - Boston Crusaders
• 85.550 - Glassmen
• 83.300 - Colts
• 80.600 - Blue Stars
• 80.225 - Capital Regiment
• 77.050 - Mandarins
• 74.950 - Magic
• 72.850 - Esperanza
• 69.875 - Pioneer

Ok visual program/execution....musical book is average at best, very choppy, and uninspriring........this comes across as some type of indoor show with musical accompaniment, and frankly I think is quite overscored, and I have no idea why it is in the running for semifinals with several musical programs that are substantially superior to theirs in every way..... -- bob984, on DrumCorpsPlanet

The show left me wanting more. I liked the concept, I just didn't make an emotional connection with the show. -- kiotad, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I think they have the best and most complete package to this point and should stay ahead of Southwind to make semi-finals. Loved this show! The opening clapping rhythm is used as a motiff or germ from which the rest of the show music is derived. Horn line was balanced and had a great sound. The yellow things are a type of tube something (can't remember what they're called). They come in sets, each pitch a different size and color and are used a lot by elementary and general music teachers; nice effect. Beatiful gaurd and visual package as well. I like the uniforms, they are very nice; they just don't give the Mandarins the unique look they use to have. -- shawn craig, on DCP

A step up in the level of maturity was evident immediately. The show featured lots of clapping, the guard "playing" PVC pipes (boing!) and an ending that exuded energy. Still, a bunch of dirt will keep this show from scoring very high. -- bicsta, on DCP

show to me was an indoor drumline show with brass playing once in a while. drumline got the groove stuff down, but the brass didn't feel it. IMo, showed mosly bored me. -- jeffsnewjetta, on DCP

This was the first show that I really enjoyed. The new uniforms are a bit of a surprise, but beyond that I found a lot of enjoyable materal here. "Clapping Music" comes across especially well, with clapping in the pit followed by the guard banging on weird yellow sticks, both of which set up a rhythm and then hand off to the battery. We were speculating how many sessions with the percussion staff it took to get the guard hitting their sticks in time! Speaking of, the guard was really solid throughout the show. Lots of exposed work, and most of it hit for a good impact. They were a couple of notches above the guards that performed around them. Also, they do a nice little tag of "Clapping Music" after the show is over and the audience starts clapping for them. --shortandfast, on DrumCorpsPlanet

This was an awesome corps in the division 2 and 3 ranks of the past. I found myself not enjoying this much. Too much percussion. I felt like the horn line was cheated and played maybe 5 minutes the whole show. Percussion played well mind you, but it was way too much. -- burdettsky, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 88.600 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 87.550 - Carolina Crown
• 86.600 - Madison Scouts
• 84.800 - Glassmen
• 83.550 - Spirit from JSU
• 81.850 - Colts
• 75.000 - Mandarins

It ocurred to me that I didn't write as much about that mandarins as the other corps. this review was just a quick last minute thing full of spelllllling erorrssss. Sorry about that. But , anyway, Mandarins did was they did, and it was clean. I would not compare it to the other corps in that they are bigger and more experienced, but I was impressed with the Mandarins. It was not just some national anthem little corps warm up show. It was honestsly a very good show, and they performed it very well. I paid money to see the show tonight and Mandarins alone were worth the premium seats. If they don't beat PC this year, there is a serious flaw in the judging system. Thank you for your hard work to put on an entaining production. Great soloists, great show,.....It was Bad A$# -- irishinyourface, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I really enjoyed their show, it looked like they were having a blast with it ('Rhythm Nation'). There's a certain few measure beat pattern that ties the whole show together that finds its way to the pit (clapping), the guard (using yellow tubes of some sort), and I'm sure the battery at some point. Very energetic performance, and the announcer was a little quick to the gun to start talking after their 'first ending', because then the corps came up to the pit and they all started clapping that beat, great show!" -- chris ncsu, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 86.850 - Boston Crusaders
• 86.225 - Blue Knights
• 85.225 - Glassmen
• 83.875 - Spirit from JSU
• 80.800 - Colts
• 78.875 - Crossmen
• 78.825 - Capital Regiment
• 78.200 - Blue Stars
• 75.125 - Mandarins
• 75.025 - Southwind
• 72.750 - Magic
• 71.525 - Seattle Cascades
• 70.575 - Esperanza

Good show...but I am having trouble remember things. I think the guard was pretty good though. -- chadwick, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Mandarins (75.125), as I said, are right there with Southwind. This was the only show I was viewing for the first time from the stands. I have always enjoyed the unique product Mandarins seems to bring to the field – the gutsy little underdog. I’m not as big a fan of this show, though – particularly of the music book, which is relatively un-inspiring. The guard is pretty effective – particularly in the closer, with a great silk, that is unveiled in a nice, creative way. One other note – I really don’t like the new uniforms for Mandarins – they sacrificed a lot of their unique identity. -- TexasPRfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Following Southwind came Mandarins. There really isn't much I can say about Mandarins...they didn't really grab me at all, though they performed well enough. Rhythm nation wasn't all that rocking, to be honest. I liked the colour of the corps jacket. SJ thought they were a tad on the boring side...I had to agree. Music seems to be their weak point right now, as the hornline just wasn't "on" today. I would be willing to be that they ranked near the bottom of the music captions. Don't really know if it's the book, or the hornline though...just can't put my finger on it. -- The Tsar, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Since my memory isn't that great, for these other corps, you were great to listen to. If you missed the Mandarins, Southwind, The Magic, Seattle Cascades, or Esperanza, then you missed some wonderfully entertaining corps that have great shows. Next time, don't miss them! -- dadofgage, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Good, but not very memorable. -- jfbubba, on Soundmachine

• 90.850 - Bluecoats
• 87.450 - Carolina Crown
• 85.650 - Boston Crusaders
• 85.500 - Blue Knightss
• 79.800 - Colts
• 75.800 - Mandarins

• 90.950 - Bluecoats
• 86.450 - Carolina Crown
• 85.450 - Boston Crusaders
• 84.050 - Blue Knightss
• 79.500 - Colts
• 74.250 - Mandarins

• 92.000 - Cavaliers
• 85.350 - Carolina Crown
• 85.050 - Boston Crusaders
• 84.250 - Blue Knights
• 73.750 - Mandarins

• 84.175 - Blue Knights
• 83.650 - Madison Scouts
• 82.425 - Glassmen
• 81.400 - Spirit from JSU
• 79.025 - Colts
• 77.400 - Crossmen
• 76.425 - Blue Stars
• 75.625 - Capital Regiment
• 73.625 - Mandarins
• 73.000 - Southwind
• 70.050 - The Magic
• 68.525 - Seattle Cascades
• 68.325 - Esperanza
• 65.250 - Pioneer

Love the new unis! I always felt the old ones were much too cluttered. Not sure I liked the drums, equipment-wise. Just didn’t like the sound that much. They sounded pretty good when they started playing with the…I thought they might be those “dreads” that I’ve seen in catalogs? Anyway, I probably sound pretty ignorant about drum equipment—because I am, but that’s what I was hearing. Another thing I heard, though…however those Premiers sounded, the kids were playing them great! Blair’s doing a great job with them! There were some alignment and control problems in the trumpets and horns, but the drums were definitely the highlight of this corps, as far as I was concerned! I thought it was interesting that they chose to go with a theme that had nothing to do with Asian heritage. Not necessarily better or worse, just…interesting. -- mytch, on bluedevils.org

I had to watch this show from the tunnel (sorry, guys, I was late getting down to S.A. on Saturday from Dallas). I can’t comment on much other than the fact I don’t really like the new uniforms and miss the distinctive look they used to bring to the field. I can tell they have some nice, percussive moments in the show and I’m looking forward to seeing them in Atlanta and Madison. --TexasPRfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I went to get a pizza so I missed the first half, but the second half was decent. i don't like the new uni's but it does look good compared to the old ones. The show just wasn't my bag. Good and again in the same quality as SW, but i did not feel they were better than SW. The show was a little dry. Good job though Mandarins, keep it up. -- wesleyrp, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Nice uniforms - decent show. -- Jazzycat1, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 89.900 - The Cavaliers
• 84.450 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 84.400 - Carolina Crown
• 80.900 - Spirit from JSU
• 71.950 - Mandarins
• 69.350 - The Magic
• 67.500 - Pioneer

I can't lie, I had Magic above Mandarins tonight. The show seems to just sort of "be", without much to get things moving. The horns don't play NEARLY enough: the show starts out with a LONG drum intro (we're talking like a minute and a half), then the horns play a little...then ANOTHER long drum break. Let those horns play!! When the horns ARE in, they sound great. Expose them some more guys! -- geluf, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I had hoped the Mandarins would have scored higher...very surprised to see this score. Hopefully they can challenge for a spot in Semis.-- chadwick, on Soundmachine I know Mandarins score went DOWN from their last CA score. I could tell though that the mid-70's they were scoring were too high. That would've put them in the top 12 hunt. I just could tell that would get fixed once they joined the tour. However, I'm sure they'll still be a semis corps based on their #'s. -- SNModdison, from Soundmachine I wacthed the Mnadarins but from outside the stadium. This is actually close to the field but from the side. A VERY GENERAL impresion is that musically they sounded good overall but their drill and visiual is lagging. Keep in mind this is a comment from ground level fromt he side, clearly not the best place to make a truely valid comment-- but I could see the marching itself. I'm an old " Counter-March--march guy by history so I do look for this stuff. -- rysa4, from Soundmachine

• 75.350 - Mandarins
• 74.500 - Pacific Crest

Ok, for the two Div 1 corps at Sunnyvale, Mandarins were very strong with battery as awesome as always. Very serious, "professional" corps with strong overall presentation. I was impressed, again, by their mallet players and some of the totally fun runs and fills they pull off. Again, not very expansive in their use of the field but put on an overall very clean GE show. Horns have improved since early in the season and steadily built to a strong crescendo: good "face blowing off moments." They took first at this show. --Timpfan, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 74.750 - Mandarins
• 74.600 - Pacific Crest

• 72.900 - Pacific Crest
• 71.800 - Mandarins
• 67.150 - Esperanza

• 70.050 - Mandarins
• 69.900 - Pacific Crest
• 64.150 - Esperanza

• 83.050 - Blue Devils
• 77.600 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 75.400 - Blue Knights
• 69.300 - Pacific Crest
• 66.950 - Mandarins
• 64.400 - Esperanza
• 61.400 - Seattle Cascades

Mandarins show is much cleaner then two weeks ago, but I think their brass will hold them back this year. I hope they surprise me and make semi's again. I am always rooting for my local corps. -- jeffreelancer, on DrumCorpsPlanet

like the old unis better. Playing a lot of jazzy stuff. Reminded me a lot of recent Blue Devils, with individuals in the snare and tenor lines breaking off and ramming little solos here and there. -- Yellowbusredux, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 80.750 - Blue Devils
• 75.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 72.550 - Blue Knights
• 64.700 - Mandarins
• 64.450 - Pacific Crest
• 62.000 - Seattle Cascades
• 61.550 - Esperanza

In general, I was really excited by what I saw and heard this evening. The thing that came across from corps to corps was thundering percussion, particularly the Mandarins. If you're a percussionist, Mandarins show is the show to see. The Mandarins beginning is a show off section of a variety of drummers and it was awesome! The hornline is lined up across the field with drummers and guard spread out across the field. The left side of perhaps 10 horns and a couple of drummers opens up to a box and the drummers just bang. Then the next section, and so on. The drumline is fun and exciting, the horn line is big, but doesn't have that big sound. Seattle and Pacific Crest, I thought, out shown the Mandarins. Mandarins need to unleash that hornline and once they do, they'll be climbing up the ladder. -- BD5times, on BlueDevils.org

• 81.300 - Blue Devils
• 76.400 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 71.700 - Blue Knights
• 65.750 - Mandarins
• 64.550 - Pacific Crest
• 61.050 - Esperanza

Loved the old uniforms, new uniforms are very sanitized...kinda of a burnt orange top with a bronze metallic stripe on the chest....one thing positive on the new uniform...under the lights they looked and stood out very nicely on the field....down site....alot of the dirt was more visable. Horns had a nice sound and good impacts throughtout the show. Show itself left alot to be desired compared to other mandrin shows...didn't see any of that "innovative" thinking they usually have in this years show. -- blueoriginal, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 79.450 - Blue Devils
• 75.900 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 69.150 - Blue Knights
• 64.400 - Mandarins
• 64.050 - Pacific Crest
• 61.750 - Esperanza

I lamented the fact that they rid themselves of DCI's most UNIQUE uniform by going with what they wore last night. BUT...seeing the uniform is person...well...pretty nice actually. You know what I liked most? The burnt orange color. It was very subdued and like Academy, I thought it was, strangely, a "classy" color. Horns were pretty good--louder than I remember in the past. Visually...eh. Dirty. Which is pretty understandable this time of year. BUT...they too have a large visual staff. So....what gives? Kids not listening? I don't remember too much else about this show, I'm sorry to say. -- Ryan Turner, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I didn't like the new uniform, they should've stuck to the old one and retained their unique look. Another show I could not get into musically, but they get decent volume out of a less than full size hornline. There were some players who stuck out of the sound in a big way. There was a lot of dirt in the drill, but it's still early in the season. --ukcjs, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Talk about losing your branding ... Mandarins threw theirs out the window. This corps has been a favorite of mine for the past few years, but the wholesale changes make it really hard to relate to them. The new uniforms are hideous (are they really trying to look like Fever?) A bit part of Mandarins appeal for me is that their identity wasn't the standard top-12 wannabe look (bib pants, high-waisted jacket and baldric ... The Cesario special.) Now that's what you've got, and in Orange to boot. The corps was pretty good, but there wasn't anything about the look or show that woul identify them as the Mandarins. --DCIHasBeen, on DrumCorpsPlanet

The drill is not easy, it's just not as fast as Mandarins. Academy was cleaner than BOTH Mandarins and PC overall. Mandarin's show seems to have more GE and a more difficult visual package, which I think they're getting credit for, but it's still pretty dirty compared to PC and edpecially Academy. ... Mandarins, seems a little further away from it to me right now, but their book is really meaty, and their visual responsibilities are significant. -- jjeffeory, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 78.450 - Blue Devils
• 74.350 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 67.300 - Blue Knights
• 61.800 - Mandarins
• 59.950 - Pacific Crest
• 57.250 - Esperanza

Again, smaller than upper tier DI corps. Enjoyed show very much, and I haven't loved every mandarins show in the past. I will apologize again, but i remember few specifics about the show, but I remember turning to a fellow fan at the end who concurred that they gave us value and worth in their efforts. -- Stephen Beeson, on SoundMachine

Mandarins' old uniforms were Genius and extremely unique. Now ... not so much. The corps is good, but I liked it better when it looked like no one else. -- drumlaw80 on DrumCorpsPlanet While the new unis are nice and still slightly different, with the old unis you definitely knew who was coming because of their uniqueness. Maybe the soon to come "add-ons" will help. Still one of my favorite corps, though. Best of luck this season. -- skajerk on DrumCorpsPlanet I will agree that no one looked like the Mandarins. You could always tell them from everyone else. However, those unis made everyone look short and fat IMHO they were ugly. Ugly and unique is still ugly. Personally I like the color scheme a lot on these and they look great on the field. They are much more simple, but that's not always bad. -- frontline99 on, DrumCorpsPlanet Even though it's not spot on like the artwork (I'll assume not all the parts arrived, or maybe they just aren't gonna be used) this is a huge step up for Mandarins IMO. Very strong look, and they get my vote for most improved uniform. -- Phirefenix, on DrumCorpsPlanet Agreed! I always found Mandarin's uni a little busy - this is clean and strong. Good job! -- Kusankusho, on DrumCorpsPlanet It's definitely a good look from a distance, but it could use a little more detail. I like it...much better than the previous unis -- funrocker049, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Great start - I love the gauntlet style they use and the unique jacket color. Just add the sash and the unique shako and it will really rock! -- Orphanim, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Nice new look for a great corps! I like it. -- MaxwellNotes, on DrumCorpsPlanet

much better -- PhantomR, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Cool design, but wished they would add the sash --Malibu, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I like the pink/peach whatever stripe... seems to glow off of them. -- yabetterbelieveit, on DrumCorpsPlanet I really like the look. As others mentioned, I think the new shakos will only improve them, and I'd like to see the sash. Overall, nice job Mandarins! -- Skyryder FMM, on DrumCorpsPlanet

Awesome! The jacket and the bronze/copper sash are a great baseline, and the shako and that middle piece will definitely put the finishing touches on a very distinctive look. -- idontwan2know, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I really like this uniform! MUCH improved from what they have been wearing. The sash looks cool - especially the Right to Left angle to it. Seems like everyone has the opposite direction. It's different. I see an M on the jacket. The outline of the left side, neck and sash, and right side looks like an "M"...am I seeing things? in any case - i dig it. -- KFanti, on DrumCorpsPlanet

like em alot. –MelloHorn13, on DrumCorpsPlanet

I really like the new look. I guess I miss the traditional Manderines but I like the color!! Not so sure about the guard uniforms this year but I loved the show so I wasn't even noticing the uniforms too much. Good luck this year!!!! -- lisard5, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 74.600 - Blue Devils
• 69.650 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 57.400 - Mandarins

"This could be my favorite Mandarins show ever. The new unis, though different, make them look like serious contenders for a finals run. Membership is a little up over last year, which gives the brass a big full sound, though they might want to tune a little more. The music is just fantastic and fun. It has a driving beat through nearly the entire show, really gets your toe tappin' (think Crossmen-esque). The over-amped pit during their solo was not so great and completely unnecessary. Drums have a wicked feature, very impressed. Guard is better than average and wear these cut up unis that should be good when it gets hot. Clean this show, clean it good, and I predict top 12 baby!! Those scores are bogus." -- Guizeppe, on DrumCorpsPlanet

"Yay Mandarins! I enjoyed your show tonight in Modesto. Best of luck this season ..." -- mello916, on DrumCorpsPlanet

"Exciting show, but major lack of energy. Again, much work to do, but 10x better than when I saw them on memorial day. …Personally, I was really excited to have a former student out there with the Mandarins" -- frontline99, on DrumCorpsPlanet

• 74.300 - Blue Devils
• 70.100 - Santa Clara Vanguard
• 57.050 - Mandarins

"Mandarins new uniforms are a cool mix of modern with a nod to their traditional uni's of years past. They opened with Egyptian Danza by Al DiMeola, and the only reason I kind of remember it is because my high school drumline played it as their drum solo. Back in 82 (yeah, I'm old......). What impressed me the most was the battery. They were ramming a boat load of notes, in a good way." -- wolf1, on DrumCorpsPlanet